Ingredient spotlight: Livaux and good prebiotics
Good Prebiotics
Digestive discomfort is disturbingly common in New Zealand, with up to 50% of us dealing with pain, bloating, or irregularity, often with no clear cause or simple fix. One practical way to support gut function is through good prebiotics, which feed helpful bacteria so they can do their job more effectively. One such innovation is Livaux™ (pronounced ‘Liv-ox’), the award-winning prebiotic we included in Puraz Probiotic+. A prebiotic is a substance that increases levels or activity of beneficial microorganisms, in this case, the good bacteria that live in our gastrointestinal tract.
Livaux™ is made from gold kiwifruit grown right here in New Zealand. A chemical free process transforms these tasty specimens into a precision prebiotic powder designed to support the proliferation of the gut bacteria species Faecalibacterium prausnitii (F.prau). In a healthy microbiome, this species can make up around 5-15% of the microorganisms present, so supporting it can be a meaningful lever for gut flora balance. A healthy gut supports a healthy you, but why the focus on F. prau specifically?
For a start, F. prau is a butyrate producer, producing short chain fatty acids that help maintain health in many ways, including supporting immune function, helping regulate inflammation, and fueling intestinal cells. F. prau is also of interest in the field of functional gut disorders, with low levels of it being present in conditions linked with dysbiosis (imbalanced microbiome) such as IBS, IBD, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease and chronic constipation.
A 2017 randomised controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of Livaux™ in augmenting F. prau levels by around 100% in functionally constipated individuals, and these increased F. prau levels were associated with heightened feelings of general wellness in the participants. The ability to increase F. prau through targeted prebiotic supplementation in this way is a breakthrough, because this species is too unstable to be consumed as a probiotic supplement.
That said, increasing F. prau is not the only thing Livaux™ does. Gold kiwifruit fibre in general has also been shown to increase quantities of several other beneficial bacterial species and increase bowel movement frequency. Gold kiwifruit also contains vitamin C and polyphenolic compounds which may act as antioxidants. In Probiotic+ Livaux™ supports ongoing digestive health, helps maintain a healthy gut environment, and nurtures the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. If you could use some help toward increased digestive wellness, we’d suggest putting Probiotic+ on your shopping list right away!
FAQ
What is Livaux™ and how does it work?
Livaux™ is a precision prebiotic powder made from New Zealand gold kiwifruit fibre. It works by feeding selected beneficial bacteria so they can increase and support a healthier gut environment. For many people, that means a practical way to back everyday digestive comfort and regularity.
Are good prebiotics the same as probiotics?
No, good prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria, while probiotics are live microorganisms you consume. Prebiotics provide the fuel that helps helpful bacteria thrive and do their work in the gut. Using both can make sense, because you are supporting the bacteria and the environment they live in.
Why does Livaux™ focus on Faecalibacterium prausnitii (F.prau)?
Livaux™ is designed to support the growth of Faecalibacterium prausnitii (F.prau), a key species linked with gut balance. In a healthy microbiome, it can represent a meaningful share of total microbes, so supporting it can matter. It is also too unstable to be taken directly as a typical probiotic, which makes targeted prebiotic support especially useful.
What does butyrate do in the gut?
Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid that helps fuel intestinal cells and supports the gut barrier. It is also associated with immune support and helping regulate inflammatory responses. Supporting butyrate producing bacteria is one way to promote a more resilient gut environment.
How might Livaux™ support bowel regularity?
Gold kiwifruit fibre has been shown to help increase bowel movement frequency for some people. Livaux™ also supports beneficial bacteria, which can influence gut motility and stool consistency over time. A consistent daily routine, hydration, and fibre from food can help you get the best result.
Can Livaux™ be taken every day?
Yes, Livaux™ is intended for ongoing, everyday digestive support. Regular use matters because prebiotics work by consistently feeding beneficial microbes. If you are new to prebiotics, starting gently and building consistency can feel more comfortable.
Who might consider Puraz Probiotic+ with Livaux™?
Puraz Probiotic+ with Livaux™ can suit people who want a simple, daily way to support gut bacteria and digestive wellness. It combines probiotic strains with a targeted prebiotic to help create a more supportive gut environment. If your goal is better day to day comfort and regularity, it can be a practical addition to your routine.